Parenting a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be exhausting. Children with ADHD not only seem to have an endless amount of energy, but they can also be impulsive, disorganized and prone to injury. Parents of these children may feel like they can never take a break. Fortunately, there are steps parents of children with ADHD can take to make their job a bit easier.
Rewards and Consequences
Using a system of rewards and consequences is an effective way to manage the behavior of a child with ADHD, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. Giving immediate, positive feedback for behavior you want to encourage, and ignoring or redirect behaviors you want to change helps a child with ADHD learn to manage his own behavior. In some cases, you may want to use timeouts when the child's behavior gets out of control. In a timeout, the child is removed from the upsetting situation and sits quietly by himself until he has calmed down.
Have Fun
Find an activity you and your child enjoy doing together, and that your child does well. This gives her an opportunity to spend some time with you in a positive environment.
Stay Organized
Children with ADHD often have a hard time organizing themselves and their belongings. Try to keep a predictable schedule, from wake-up time to bedtime and everything in between. Post the schedule on the refrigerator or another highly visible place. If you need to deviate from this schedule, tell your child in advance. Use folders and other organizers, and help your child to put his belongings in the same place every day.
Working With School
Children with ADHD often struggle in school because they have a hard time sitting in their seats and listening to teachers. Because they are also often disorganized, papers often get lost and misplaced. Ask the teacher to help your child to remember to write all of his assignments down, and put them in a place he will be able to find them once he gets home. Give your child a stress ball or a small toy he can play with under his desk when he gets fidgety. Also ask the teacher to be sure your child never misses gym class or recess.
